Electrical Arc Flash Hazards
What is all the fuss about?
It is very important to prevent workers from Arc Flash Hazards as:
- Every year many workers are treated in burn centers with severe arc flash injuries.
- The flash is immediate, but the effects can be devastating and potentially last forever.
What is an Arc Flash?
“. . . a dangerous condition associated with the release of energy caused by an electric arc.”
As defined by NFPA
What is an Electric Arc?
An electric arc is a short circuit current passing through the air
Obligations & Compliance Process
Liability may be mitigated by showing that every precaution’s due diligence was taken in the circumstances surrounding an incident.
Due Diligence has six essential elements notably:
- Workplace Hazard Analysis/Audit
- Company/Corporate Safety Policy and Implementation Program
- Specific Critical Task Policies and Procedures
- Training Procedures for Workers, Supervisors & Managers
- Enforcement of Health and Safety Procedures
- Supervisor Competence
What are the Operating Companies Responsibilities under the New Codes?
- Implement Qualified and General Worker Training
- Provide Necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Conduct an Arc Flash Analysis of the Power Distribution System
- Establish Shock and Arc Flash Protection Boundaries, Determine Incident Energy Levels at Working Distances
- Affix the Appropriate Warning Labels on Equipment
